"The Cinco de Mayo commemoration of the Battle of Puebla transcends the victory of the greatly outnumbered Mexican army over the French armed forces,” Senator Jose Peralta said. “Cinco de Mayo is about the spirit and determination of our Mexican and Chicano brethren, about unity and patriotism, about strength of will and perseverance. It is a celebration of liberty and freedom and of the longstanding friendship between the United States and Mexico."

Presentations by: New York Families For Autistic Children, Autism Speaks, The School for Language and Communication Development, Queens County Parents Autism Coalition, New York Christian Parents of Children With Autism and Jackson Developmental Center

• Learn about the signs of Autism and the importance of early intervention

• Ask questions about issues related to caring for children living with Autism

"Yom HaShoah takes on greater significance each year, as fewer survivors of the horrors perpetrated more than 65 years ago remain with us. It becomes increasingly incumbent upon us to recall the wicked depths to which mankind plummeted and the noble heights of which we are capable. And it is in that way, in the learning and re-learning of the lesson, that we do justice by the memories of the innocent victims and the survivors of the Holocaust, and all those who courageously risked their own lives to save them."

"The world is a safer place today thanks to the courageous men and women fighting around the globe in defense of our freedom and the determination of their commander in chief, President Obama.

Amidst the joy on this great day for the United States, we should keep in our thoughts and prayers the thousands of victims of Osama Bin Laden’s depravity and hate. I hope that this is a day of at least some solace for their loved ones."

With the prospect of litter and garbage—and the vermin they could attract—threatening a beloved summer play area in a community with limited open spaces for children, concerned Jackson Heights parents turned to State Senator Jose Peralta for help.

“It was a no-brainer: I called The Doe Fund,” said Senator Peralta, who has secured several grants over the years for the nonprofit and its flagship Ready, Willing & Able program, through which 150 miles of New York City streets and sidewalks are cleaned by the “Men in Blue.”

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Mobile Spay and Neuter van will visit the Jackson Heights community to help residents examine their pets at affordable pricing.

Co-sponsored by Assemblymember Michael DenDekker and State Senator José Peralta, the ASPCA event will be held on Saturday, April 23 beginning at 7:30 a.m. with a 3:30 p.m. pickup, outside DenDekker’s district office at 33-46 92nd Street in Jackson Heights.

A gun control bill was passed by the Assembly last Wednesday that is aimed at closing a loophole in the courts' ability to prevent people who are ordered to undergo treatment for mental illness from possessing a firearm.

Apartment dwellers living in and around Lefrak City facing eviction or major capital improvement rent increases had their legal questions answered at a “Know Your Rights!” forum sponsored by State Senator Jose Peralta.

“With the economy the way it is, there are families struggling to make ends meet,” Senator Peralta said. “They’re getting hit with rent increases they can’t afford or are unable to pay the rent and face eviction. Tenants have rights and I want to make sure that they know what those rights are.”

EAST ELMHURST, NY - New York Senator Jose Peralta has procured a $50,000 State Legislative Grant for library materials in Queens. He made the announcement at Queens Library at East Elmhurst along with Queens Library CEO Thomas W. Galante, applauded by enthusiastic eighth and fifth grade students from nearby P.S. 127.

The ASPCA offers free and low-cost spay/neuter surgery via five Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics that travel to many New York City neighborhoods. The mission of the ASPCA is to put an end to the tragic euthanasia of adoptable animals within the five boroughs of New York City by addressing the animal crisis at its sourcein the heart of the city's local communities.

Recognizing that many of the most serious overpopulation and animal health crises arise in neighborhoods with limited access to veterinary care and animal care education, the ASPCA brings spay/neuter services directly to such communities.

Senior citizens, elected officials and supporters of all ages will rally on Saturday, March 19th to speak out against the proposed closing of senior centers. Please invite friends, family and neighbors of all ages. Download the flyer here.

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